Ulster vs Connacht
An Irish derby awaits Ulster and Connacht in their opening round fixture in the United Rugby Championships. The home team will be looking to go one better than last season’s heart breaking semi-final loss to eventual champions the Stormers. The visitors on the other hand will be looking for a far better season than the last as they finished in a disappointing 11th position. On their day they can beat any team but their lack of consistency was their major problem lasts season.
TIP: Ulster have proven tough to beat on their home patch therefore Connacht need to be at their best if they are to cause an upset. Both teams are missing a number of first team regulars in the season opener but Connacht are giving former Force player Byron Ralston his debut after his signing in the close season. There is also a welcome return for Irish star Jacob Stockdale who returns to the Ulster side after a prolonged injury break. The bookies have Ulster as favourites and I am also tipping them for the win. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting 1.21, Playabets 1.23 and Sunbet 1.21
HEAD TO HEAD STATS
Ulster vs Connacht
- There have been two wins a piece for each side in the last four matches.
- Connacht have only won twice in their last 10 visits to the Kingspan Stadium
Latest results for both teams
This is the first match of the season for both teams.
PREDICTION
Both teams will be looking to get that derby win to start of their campaign but the pressure will be on Ulster as a home defeat in this competition is not ideal. Ulster were deadly last season from the lineout maul and scored more tries then any team with this attacking weapon. Connacht like to play a more expansive game and love to keep ball in hand and have dangerous wingers like John Porch and Ralston. The home team have their own super star wing in Rob Baloucoune and if he is given any space then the visitors will pay. I predict an Ulster win by 13 points.
- Probable Starting XVs
Ulster
15 Stewart Moore, 14 Rob Baloucoune, 13 Luke Marshall, 12 Stuart McCloskey, 11 Jacob Stockdale, 10 Billy Burns, 9 Nathan Doak, 8 David McCann,7 Marcus Rea, 6 Matty Rea, 5 Sam Carter, 4 Alan O’Connor (c), 3 Marty Moore, 2 Tom Stewart, 1 Eric O’Sullivan
Connacht
15 Tiernan O’Halloran, 14 Byron Ralston, 13 Tom Farrell, 12 Tom Daly, 11 John Porch, 10 Conor Fitzgerald, 9 Kieran Marmion, 8 Paul Boyle, 7 Conor Oliver, 6 Josh Murphy, 5 Leva Fifita, 4 Gavin Thornburyn (c), 3 Jack Aungier, 2 Dave Heffernan, 1 Peter Dooley
Odds for this bet
The best odds on the Ulster victory are as follows:
Worldsportsbetting 1.21
Playabets 1.23
Sunbet 1.21
Odds comparison on the Ulster handicap :
The complete odds on the Ulster handicap:
Worldsportsbetting (-10.5) 1.95
Sunbet (-10.5) 1.89
Playabets (-10.5) 1.81
Predictions and Odds in details
There are poor returns on the Ulster outright win but we suggest the home team on the handicap for better odds. The best odds on this bet are as follows: Worldsportsbetting (-10.5) 1.95, Sunbet (-10.5) 1.89 and Playabets (-10.5) 1.81
Sports crazy fan that follows all major sport but the game with the oval ball is my real passion. Was an age level rugby coach and a huge supporter of the Springboks and diehard Liverpool man. I’m an experienced punter and sports writer whose predictions/tips are sure to stir up the emotions. I love the occasional wager on the underdog.
